The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted ‘approval in principle’ to CLS Wind’s new innovative wind turbine installation system, a significant development in the wind energy sector. This new system, developed by the US-based startup CLS Wind, will cut down installation costs by 50% for both onshore and offshore and floating wind turbines while also allowing bigger turbines.
The CLS Wind patented elevator-style assembly system eliminates the need for large cranes and heavy-lift barges or vessels. This system makes it possible to install and maintain wind turbines and nacelles more easily, safely and quickly. ABS commented that their design reviews were very comprehensive based on class and statutory requirements, ensuring reliability and safety of the system.
“This is an exciting milestone for CLS Wind and domestic renewable energy production,” said Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Renewables. “ABS is committed to supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry, helping our partners and clients throughout the full life cycle of their projects.”
Kent A. Johnson, CEO of CLS Wind, expressed his enthusiasm about the approval. “As an American company working on a unique solution to solve some of the pressing issues affecting the offshore wind market, we appreciate ABS’ support for the AIP process and visit to our industrial demo unit,” Johnson said. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in the renewable energy market to lower costs and increase installation efficiencies, crucial for advancing offshore wind energy production.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) has recently announced the Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development Funding Opportunity, allocating $48.6 million for projects that address critical needs in offshore wind. These areas include accelerating research and development of floating offshore wind platforms, innovations for fixed-bottom foundations, offshore wildlife protection through new monitoring technologies, expanding the domestic supply chain, and advancing academic leadership in floating offshore wind.
By the end of 2023, the US will have grown its wind capacity from 47GW in 2010 to 147.5GW, a huge increase. Nevertheless, in 2023, the wind energy sector’s utilization rate dropped to 33.5%, an eight-year low, underscoring the need for ongoing innovation and efficiency gains. The new installation technology from CLS Wind is a significant advancement in tackling these issues and improving the state of renewable energy.